Tri-County Communications Cooperative ~ Phone, Cable TV, Internet

Point-to-Point (P2P) File Sharing

What is file sharing??

File sharing is a technology for users to swap files with any users with a compatible file sharing program and an Internet connection. It is often referred to as "P2P" or Point-to-Point sharing because you typically share directly with another user instead of downloading from a centralized server. File sharing programs are usually free and are easy to find/download online. Since the original (Napster) hit the Internet, file sharing has exploded in popularity. Parents: ask your kids about this. In most cases, I find the parents had no idea this was being done on their computers.

Is file sharing legal??

Yes and no. File sharing itself is not illegal. And many files being traded are not copyrighted or have otherwise been approved for file sharing. File sharing is encouraged between many independent artists to promote their works. File sharing becomes illegal when copyrighted works, such as movies, songs and computer programs, are being shared (distributed) without the owner's consent.

Can I get in trouble??

Yes. Many files and file sharing programs have trackers built into them so the owners can find out who is uploading and downloading their material. If they file a claim with the user's ISP, the user can be subject to anything from simple warning to service disconnection to a large lawsuit.

What does TCC do about copyright violations??

When TCC receives a copyright violation notice, we send the customer notice via email (TCC account) and registered mail. The user then has about 7 days to remove any file sharing programs from their computer(s), sign the letter saying they've done this and get it back to us. The reason for this is the ISP is legally responsible for the copyright infringement if they do not follow through with certain legal responsibilities. If the user complies, then that is the end of it. If they do not respond OR they repeat, then they will be suspended (possibly indefinitely).

Is there anything else to be worried about??

YES! Spyware, viruses, your personal information and more. Many file sharing programs come packaged with "spyware" so by downloading the file sharing program, you will also receive several spyware programs, which at the very least can increase your spam email and at the most damage your internet connection and computer. Also, files being shared are often tainted with viruses or trojans. You won't know it until you open the file you downloaded-- by then it could be too late for your anti-virus program. File sharing puts all files on your computer (personal, private, etc) at risk of being downloaded by others. File sharing programs are also used to download/share adult content. This can be downloaded to your computer even if you have content blocking programs. Direct downloading in this way gets around filters.

How do I look for and remove them??

You can go into the Control Panel on your computer, into Add/Remove Programs and look for titles including: Bearshare, BitTorrent, Gnutella, iMesh, Torrent, Limewire, eDonkey, ShareZaa, Ares, Morpheus, eMule and WinMX. If you see any fishy titles, look them up in Google to see what they are. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Ben at TCC or a computer repair shop before proceeding.

Can this happen if I don't have file sharing programs??

Yes. If you allow others to use your connection with their computers, you are responsible for what they do. This includes having a wireless router, but not securing it so neighbors or other passersby could be using your internet signal without your knowledge. You may not intend that, but it still falls under your responsibility.